With the injury to Ryan Shazier during the Bengals game on December 4th, there was a hole left in the defense. With Shazier gone, no linebacker could fill the void of Shazier's speed, quickness, and toughness. Their run game declined towards the end of the season and dismantled in the playoff game against the Jaguars. Although Shazier did claim to want to make a return to football, it was reported he would not be coming back in the 2018 season, so that leaves us the question. How do the Steelers fill the void at linebacker?
The Steeler's Franchise is notorious for building through the draft, that's where they find their future stars. So who can we expect the Steelers to be watching?
Keep an eye out for Rashaan Evans, a linebacker from Alabama. Although he is expected to go early in the first round, he could fit what Pittsburgh needs at linebacker. He has the speed to blow up plays in the backfield along with great explosiveness and the ability to tackle well, something the Steelers need. In 2017, he started 12 games, tying for the team lead with 74 tackles, leading the team with 13 tackles for loss, had a total of six sacks, and broke up three passes.
Rashaan Evans is a stud. Flashes brilliance.
— Sosa Kremenjas (@QBsMVP) February 14, 2018
- effective blitzer
- maybe most physical/violent player in the draft
- can stack and shed
- good job knifing in between T's to make tackles
Evans is a major stud. No idea why there's not more round 1 talk. pic.twitter.com/uJIb0VfnUV
LSU-Bama tape: Check out LB Rashaan Evans...Slip the block. Quick move. And then wrap up RB Derrius Guice at the line. pic.twitter.com/JdbrrA4WWa
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 13, 2018
Another linebacker to watch out for is Roquan Smith, from Georgia. He played outside linebacker and racked up 85 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. He plays with discipline, has tremendous football knowledge and instincts. Smith also knows how to fill the leadership role, along with great speed, that allows him to match and cover the best running backs. Smith is expected to go early in the first round but may fall to the second round of the draft.
Roquan Smith is unreal, man. #NFLDraft #NFL #CFB #NFLDraft2018 #DraftTwitter #draft2018 pic.twitter.com/gvpI993WYU
— d money 313 (@airdeemoney30) January 16, 2018
Leighton Vander Esch is another linebacker getting the attention of the Steelers. Although he only has one year of starting experience,he totaled 141 tackles, 8.5 for loss, four sacks, four pass breakups, and four forced fumbles. Esch is long and athletic and possesses the ability to change direction quickly. He is able to go sideline to sideline and make the tackle. Also does well in coverage and shows instincts on blitzing and being able to rush.
LB Leighton Vander Esch specializes in shutting run games down. His ability to maneuver in tight spaces, avoid trash & make tackles will be effective day 1. He also has the ability to pattern match & patrol the middle of the field. #Draft
— Cover 1 (@Cover1) February 17, 2018
Scouting report: https://t.co/RzaRTJL8Ta pic.twitter.com/w5flxvTM6S
INTERCEPTION!!! Who else but Leighton Vander Esch! He returns it to the Bulldog 19! Bronco ball, 1:50 to play, and the Bulldogs have no timeouts! #BleedBlue pic.twitter.com/Od0ypbzed4
— Boise State Football (@BroncoSportsFB) December 3, 2017
Aside from linebacker needs, that's not only problem the Steelers need to address. The Steelers could use some help at safety, with reports that Mike Mitchell might be let go in the offseason. Aside from the play of Mike Mitchell the Steelers secondary gave up 13 plays of 40-plus yards, 24 plays of 30-plus yards and 30 plays of at least 25 yards in the last 12 games of the season. So who are some possible safeties in the draft that can help?
Ronnie Harrison was the starting safety for Alabama. He tied the team lead with 74 tackles, making 4.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage including 2.5 sacks, had 3 interceptions, and had 4 passes deflected. He has quick speed and very few limited athletic limitations. Transitions quickly and is able to read the QB's eyes, also providing quality coverage in match ups.
Ronnie Harrison is extremely aggressive attacking the run game which is one of the things I like most about him. His recognition and not hesitating to be in full attack mode is very noticeable in his film. pic.twitter.com/JRACvKHG1r
— Travis Steffen (@SteffenNFL) February 16, 2018
That's a STRONG pick.
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 5, 2017
Ronnie Harrison rips this one away to give the ball back to @AlabamaFTBL. pic.twitter.com/65RBC4n1JG
Derwin James from Florida State is another notable safety to add to the list. In 2017 he had a total of 84 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions and 11 passes defended. A leader on and off the field, is able to be but anywhere on the field and make a play. Has all the physical attributes you would want in a safety. Is able to cut off routes and anticipate the ball well, will not stray off coverage.
One of my favorite plays from Derwin James all season.
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) February 6, 2018
Covering one of the most productive slot receivers in the ACC, sticks with him on the short route and breaks up the pass pic.twitter.com/NBNrfR2kNp
Derwin James showing off the ball skills. He's very athletic at the catch point#PFFDraft pic.twitter.com/LEGieKGGyf
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) February 6, 2018
Minkah Fitzpatrick is a safety from Alabama, and is expected to be a first round pick and for many good reasons. In 2016 when Fitzpatrick was moved to safety he had a total of 66 tackles, 6 interceptions, two of those interceptions returned for a touchdown, and 7 passes defended. Fitzpatrick can be placed anywhere on the field, as he has experience in multiple positions. Can play very well in zone, and can blitz off the edge. Plays with a tremendous amount of intensity.
Watching Bama-A&M tape. Check out DB Minkah Fitzpatrick on this play...Crossing route. Close on the ball. pic.twitter.com/Kgk9n9gdeB
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) February 6, 2018